This appendix contains two initial prototype designs. Report A is designed for patients who have an experiential information processing orientation and a value expressive attitude towards treatment. Report B is for patients who have a rational information processing orientation and a utilitarian attitude towards treatment. Our intention in this research is to develop these categories further to design prototypes for pathology result presentations, which will motivate patients from a diversity of cultural and language backgrounds to better understand and self manage their medical conditions.
The scenario to be used in initial tests (below) describes a fictitious disease that has some of the characteristics of diabetes. It is important that early tests be based on believable but fictitious diseases to ensure that prior knowledge of the disease is eliminated as a potential confounding factor. Once the basic principles have been tested, the methods will be refined and applied to actual conditions.
Scenario
A few months ago, you began to feel unusually tired and sick every day and went to your local doctor for a checkup.At the consultation, your doctor took a blood sample and sent it off to a pathology laboratory for testing. The test revealed that you have contracted Bell's disease. This disease is caused by exposure to rickettsia bacteria, a type of bacteria carried by some fleas. Flea bites allow bacteria to enter the blood. This infection then damages the pancreas and reduces the effectiveness of the body's immune system.
These effects are usually permanent, because some damage remains after the initial bacterial infection has been cured. As a result, people with Bell's disease tend to have elevated blood sugar levels, and are prone to colds and infections.
Since your initial diagnosis, a new blood test has been performed each month to track your progress. The sheet you are about to see has been sent by your doctor in preparation for the next visit.